A MIDLAND student, whose dad is suffering from terminal cancer, is to take part in a skydive to raise money for charity in his honour.

Charlotte Newcombe, aged 20, was devastated to discover her dad, 59-year-old Robert, had developed mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer of the chest lining, after being exposed to asbestos while working for Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council during the 1970s.

The Birmingham University student will travel to Peterborough for the tandem skydive tomorrow to raise money for charities Mesothelioma UK and Asbestos Support West Midlands.

Robert had been working as a timber infestation surveyor when, at the start of the year, he developed a cold which progressed to a persistent cough and found he was getting short of breath. An x-ray revealed fluid on his lungs and a subsequent biopsy diagnosed mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer almost always associated with exposure to asbestos.

Robert, who also volunteered as a special police officer for 20 years, has since undergone surgery to remove the tumour, a partial left lung removal and is now undergoing chemotheraphy.

Trainee nurse Charlotte said: “Dad thinks the skydive is a good idea, though he thinks I’m mad to do it. He’s hoping to come along and watch. He’s a wonderful dad.

“He’s been helping plan my 21st birthday party in January.

“He’s so committed, he’s been a special police officer on Friday and Saturday nights for 20 years as well as working full time.’’

Charlotte’s mum, Deborah, who works for the Passport Agency, said: “When Robert got his diagnosis it was just devastating. We never thought it could be cancer.

‘‘Robert thought he had a full life ahead of him. He was looking forward to having grandchildren. It’s all been snatched from him.”

It is believed Robert was exposed to asbestos between 1974-75 and 1979-80, while working as a maintenance carpenter in schools, old people’s homes and children’s homes throughout north Solihull.

The Newcombe family say Robert was not given any health and safety training, nor any warnings of the dangers of working with asbestos.

Solihull Council’s cabinet member for resources and efficiency, Councillor Andy Hodgson said: “We sympathise with Mr Newcombe’s situation and we are currently investigating the circumstances around this case.”